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Loosening of teeth is one of the most common oral problems. It is usually indicative of another underlying disease such as periodontitis or gingivitis. It starts with minor and negligible mobility of the teeth, however, if not taken care of in earlier stages, it may result in loss of teeth. Health Care Professionals can help reduce the chance of this with their patients through diligent care and instruction to their patients.
As in the case of any oral health problem, prevention is the best type of cure. So, it is important to take good care of your oral health in order to avoid loose teeth problems. Yet, gum diseases and oral health are not always the reason behind loose teeth. Accidents and traumas can also result in loose teeth. Similarly, people who suffer from bruxism, bite injury or oral tumor are also likely to face the problem of teeth mobility. Depending on the cause of loose teeth, the type of treatment required will also vary in each case.
Here are some of the most common treatments for loose teeth.
Scaling
Scaling or deep cleansing of the pockets developed due to bacteria is one of the common treatments for cure of loose teeth caused by gum diseases. The bacteria play a critical part in weakening the bond between the bone and the ligament. While deep cleansing alone can cure the problem in many cases, it can also be one of the first steps for more comprehensive treatments of worse conditions.
In scaling, the dentist uses special tools to scrape the tartar off the teeth and gums. However, cleansing is only good for stopping the prevalence of the problem. In order to improve the current condition of the patient, tissue-stimulating proteins are used in order to allow the gum tissue to re-tighten around the bone.
Root Planning
Like scaling, root planning is also a treatment for loose teeth caused by a gum disease. However, root planning is only effective in earlier stages when the teeth are just beginning to loosen. Root planning involves the reshaping of the teeth in order to eliminate irregular spots that facilitate accumulation of bacteria and germs. If performed in earlier stages, root planning allows the gum tissue to heal and regenerate naturally.
Some dentists, however, may also suggest the use of tissue-stimulating proteins to expedite the process of healing and retightening.
Occlusal Adjustment
Occlusal adjustment or bite adjustment is the preferred treatment for teeth loosening due to bite injury or teeth grinding (bruxism). Occlusion is a term used to describe the way upper and lower teeth meet together. Injury or bruxism can damage the surface of the teeth and result in improper occlusion. Unequal or unadjusted occlusion causes the teeth to receive more force when taking a bite. This can be adjusted by reshaping of the teeth through selective grinding. This procedure must be conducted by a dentist who has proper knowledge and understanding of jaw and bite functions.
Splinting
Teeth often become mobile when there is too much space between them. Splinting, often following the occlusal adjustment, is a treatment that joins the loose or mobile teeth with the firmer ones. It allows even distribution of the bite force and prevents further loosening of teeth. There are several different types of splinting treatment. Your dentist will be able to choose the right one depending on the condition and cause of your problem.
Extraction
Teeth that have become loose and mobile to a great extent can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The condition of such teeth can further aggravate the situation by affecting the adjacent teeth as well. So, if treatment is delayed for long enough, extraction is the only cure left. Extraction is usually followed by dental implant surgery.
Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care. Visit Trusted Health Products for more loose teeth information.
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